Last year I spoke with an elderly couple climbing above Llyn Idwal like me. The chap was inspired by the landscape saying he would climb Pen Yr Ole Wen which you see in the distance. I’ve been at the summit a few times but from the Carneddau behind, not the track from Llyn Ogwen.

I have made climbs like that before in the Lake District. Dore Head from Mosedale for example, directly up to Grasmoor from Buttermere, and Kirkfell from Wasdale. The Pen Yr Ole Wen climb probably requires about the same effort as Kirkfell. The chap was in his seventies, struggling up the easy Devil’s Kitchen path. I both enjoyed and understood his enthusiasm. I know that feeling, where landscape fills you with a rush of energy.

This is one of my favourite micro areas of Snowdonia. I’ve been here a few times and, one day soon, I will drive from Manchester, walk up here in the afternoon, wild camp, and finish the next day. It looks very atmospheric, promising for sunset and sunrise.